Tag Archives: Met Ball

photo by John Shearer/Getty Images

So, last night was the Met Gala. What used to be just an event to celebrate the opening of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s newest exhibition, has become one the biggest night’s in fashion. That means lots of amazing gowns, horrible looks and tons of WTF moments. This year, we put together a list of all three.

First, for the night’s best moments:

SZA in Versace and Chris Habana head piece and jewelry

photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images

For her first Met Gala, SZA paired pastel Versace with BlackBook favorite Chris Habana head wear and jewelry. Literally heavenly.

Nicki Minaj in Oscar de la Renta and Tiffany & Co. jewelry

photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Coming off of her double feature “Chun-Li” and “Barbie Tingz” video premiere last week, we had high hopes for Nicki. Needless to say, she didn’t disappoint. In a red and black Oscar de la Renta gown, the rapper told photographers she interpreted the theme by dressing as “the devil.” If Lucifer looks like this good, consider us Satanist.

Rihanna in custom Maison Martin Margiela by John Galliano and Maria Tash and Cartier jewelry

photo by John Shearer/Getty Images

Seriously, bow down. Rihanna’s custom Margiela by John Galliano ‘fit wasn’t just a look — it was a moment. And after last night, Queen Rih has just become The Pope.

Kate Bosworth in Oscar de la Renta and Tacori jewelry

photo by Getty Images

I usually find Kate Bosworth pretty boring — and I’m not just talking about her acting. But this Oscar de la Renta look was practically perfect. The gold, white, train and veil combo makes me not want to fight with my boyfriend long enough to actually get married.

Cardi B in Moschino

photo by Frazer Harrison/FilmMagic

Sorry Bey, there’s a new queen in town and her name is Cardi B. The “Bartier Cardi” singer looked like The Virgin Mary in her Moshino gown and headpiece, baby bump and all.

photo by Karwai Tang/Getty Images

Diane Kruger gets our vote for best dressed for the night. Her Prabal Gurun gown may not have been totally on-theme, but the entire look was a religious experience.

Solange in Iris Van Herpen and Lorraine Schwartz jewelry

photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images

Solange’s Iris Van Herpen dress was our other favorite look of the night. The total opposite of Diane Kruger’s sweet blue dress and train, this look was like a sexy bondage Medusa moment that made me a full believer. Okay, that was the last religious pun, I promise.

Lily Collins in Givenchy Haute Couture

photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

To be honest, I don’t really know who Lily Collins is. I think she’s a model-turned-actress. But really, aren’t they all? Either way, I don’t really care who she is, because her Givenchy Haute Couture dress and avant-garde makeup were absolutely stunning.

photo by Getty Images

I didn’t see Priyanka Chopra on enough “Best Dressed” lists today. Her velvet Ralph Lauren look gave me serious Joan of Arc vibes — in a good way.

And now for the worst. It’s actually kind of sad when celebrities get it this wrong. For one thing, they’re paying stylists a ton of money to fuck them onto the “Worst Dressed List.” But also, you can tell when they’re posing on the red carpet that they think they totally nailed it. Sorry, guys. Better luck next time.

Mary J. Blige in Versace

photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

Let me start this by saying I really do love Mary J. Blige. But the girl’s a serious fashion victim. I honestly can’t remember one time I thought she didn’t look ridiculous. I mean, Mary J. loves herself a fedora. And remember the “Family Affair” video? Just tragic. Last night, she tried to amp things up with a Versace gown, but just looked like a kind of sloppy Greek goddess.

The Olsen Twins in vintage Paco Rabanne

photo by Getty Images

It honestly baffles me how I spent so many years worshiping the Olsen Twins. I used to seriously — and I mean this in a literal way — take notes during their shows and straight-to-VHS movies, trying to outline how to dress as cool as them. Of course, Mary-Kate spawned the whole bohobo thing, which I readily adopted for a few seconds. But that was like, 2006, and now, the whole oversized thing with way too much jewelry is just kind of depressing.

Cara Delevingne in Dior Haute Couture and Bulgari jewelry

photo by REX/Shutterstock

We have to forgive Cara Delevingne for this look, because she clearly couldn’t see herself in the mirror with that headdress. The Dior Haute Couture gown looked like a giant fishnet stocking.

Madonna in Jean Paul Gaultier

photo by John Shearer/Getty Images

Oh, and about those fishnet stockings — apparently, Madonna also got the memo. The sad part is, this look actually could’ve been good if it weren’t for its entire top half. Though, she gets some points for her crown — it was epic.

Sarah Jessica Parker in Dolce & Gabbana and Jennifer Fischer jewelry

photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

At least no can ever say that Sarah Jessica Parker doesn’t go for it. Out of every celebrity, she always leans fully in to the Met Gala’s theme. Unfortunately, this year, it didn’t do her any favors.

But of course, for all the good and bad looks this year, there were also a few WTF moments. I mean, what’s a celebrity event without a nip slip or some self-aggrandizing? I’m looking at you, Jaden.

Frances McDormand in Valentino

photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

I actually wanted to like Frances McDormand’s Valentino look, if only for the fact that when a reporter asked her about the religious theme, she replied, “I’m a pagan.” But alas, it wasn’t enough to make up for this trainwreck. I will say, though, if I had to imagine what a pagan high fashion look would be, it wouldn’t be too far from this.

Katy Perry in Versace

photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

I’m not sure if this is a real WTF moment, it’s just bad — and really big.

Kim Kardashian in custom Versace and Lorraine Schwartz jewelry

photo by John Shearer/Getty Images

This one’s a WTF for a different reason. See, I actually liked Kim Kardashian’s Versace dress, but I feel like it was kind of understated — at least, for the Kardashian-West clan. With the religious theme and everything, I figured Kimye would show up decked out in t-shirts with their faces screenprinted on them. “No, you’re brilliant Kanye,” “No you are Kim.” Ah, what a love story.

Grimes in who cares because she’s dating Elon Musk?

photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

I know. What? Grimes showed up in a sloppy dress and those platform Marc Jacobs shoes we’ve already seen everywhere for like, two seasons. But for someone who prides herself on being weird, the weirdest thing she’s ever done was show up to the Met Gala with Elon Musk, only to reveal that they two are actually dating.

Last but not least: Jaden Smith in Louis Vuitton and carrying his own gold record

photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

I really didn’t think Jaden Smith would go this far. Oh wait, yes I did. The singer showed up wearing Louis Vuitton and holding his own gold record. We get it, bro. You’re super smart and way too philosophical for the rest of us pesky humans. But even Kanye isn’t this blatant.

Oh well, at least we have awhile until we have to see what Jaden Smith will wear next year.

Today is the Met Gala — but you already knew that. With this year’s theme as “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination,” we’re anticipating a lot of vintage McQueen, probably some Gaultier, and of course, a hell of a lot of Dolce & Gabbana.

So, to prepare, we’ve put together a list of of the 10 most memorable past Met Gala moments.

Rihanna in Guo Pei

photo courtesy of Getty Images

You can’t have a Met Gala roundup without mentioning Rihanna’s infamous dress from 2015. That year, the theme was “China: Through the Looking Glass,” and Rih chose Chinese designer Guo Pei for her look. The handmade gown took over 2 years for the designer to make and instantly made her go viral. In fact, there’s currently a new documentary that highlights Pei’s impressive career.

Rihanna, again, in Comme des Garçons

photo courtesy of Getty Images

Queen Rih also made the list because of her Comme des Garçons F/W ’16 look for the Met Gala last year. The theme actually was Comme des Garçons and Rih was one of the only people who actually wore something by Kawakubo — partly, I think, because she’s one of the only people who could really pull it off.

Cher in Bob Mackie

photo courtesy of WireImage

Cher always looks iconic. But it was this custom Bob Mackie gown at the third annnual Met Ball, that set the tone for it to be one of the most fashionable nights of the year. The theme was “Romantic and Glamorous Hollywood Design,” so the singer essentially could’ve shown up naked and — oh wait, she basically did.

Katy Perry in Maison Martin Margiela

photo courtesy of Margiela

Who could forget Katy Perry’s look from last year’s Met Gala? I know she can’t, because she still talks about how hard it was for her to pee. But beauty is pain, ladies and gentlemen — especially in custom Maison Martin Margiela (that looked suspiciously like Givenchy F/W ’17).

Sarah Jessica Parker in Alexander McQueen

photo courtesy of Vogue

“Anglomania” was the theme in 2006, and Sarah Jessica Parker went full on with the plaid, natch. On the arm of Alexander McQueen, the duo wore custom “Anarchy in the U.K.”-inspired looks by the designer, himself.

Lil Kim in god knows what

photo courtesy of WireImage

No one ever really knows what Lil Kim is wearing, and the 1999 Met Gala was no exception. The Hard Core rapper opted for a pink fur trench, pink snakeskin boots and a pink bikini — and no, the theme was not “pink.”

Kate Moss in custom Marc Jacobs and a Stephen Jones turban

photo courtesy of Getty Images

In 2009, Kate Moss looked the total part for the Met Gala’s “Model As Muse” in a custom Marc Jacobs gold lamé mini, YSL pumps and Stephen Jones turban.

Liv Tyler & Stella McCartney in matching halter tops

photo courtesy of Mari Sarai/Getty Images

Sure, the Met Gala wasn’t as big of a deal fashion-wise in 1999 as it now. But halter tops? Liv Tyler and Stella McCartney, you both know better. Still, the duo really leaned in to the “Rock Style” theme with matching “Rock Royalty” tank tops.

Donatella Versace in Versace

photo courtesy of Getty Images

Donatella’s leather Versace look for the 1996 Met Gala was iconic for a couple of reasons: Sadly, this would be Gianni’s last Gala before his death, but also the debut of his bondage-inspired style that would become a trademark for the legendary brand.

Jaden Smith and his ponytail in Louis Vuitton

photo courtesy of Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

Last but not least, Jaden Smith at last year’s Gala. Yes, the theme was Comme des Garçons, and sure, Rei Kawakubo is known for getting a little avant-garde sometimes. But Jaden Smith took things to a whole different level when he showed up on the red carpet in head-to-toe Louis Vuitton, carrying his recently cut dread locks.

Fingers crossed he — and everyone else — leaves the gross accessories at home tonight. Though, the theme is Catholicism, so I’m guessing this year’s top trapping will be guilt.

As though that yellow Guo Pei dress (a near unanimous, if equally-as-meme’d favorite) wasn’t enough to make it clear that Rihanna was the belle of last night’s ball, once the scene migrated from the Met, many headed to RiRi’s very own after party. A-List guests went downtown to Up & Down where RiRi further secured her title as winner of the night. (Not including Anna Wintour).

So by now you’ve probably seen the footage of Miss Solange Knowles going all World Star Hip-Hop on American royalty Jay Z in the elevator at The Standard. ‘Twas the night of the fabulous Met Ball and the only thing on Solange’s mind was getting in one last kick at Jay before a body guard ripped her and her brand new pixie-cut away from the Hip-Hop God. All awhile big sis and Queen of everything Beyoncé held herself with class, as always. If you haven’t been speculating all day as to why they scuffle even happened, then you’re a mess and need to sort out your priorities, but don’t worry, because we definitely have. Here are five reasons that Solange threw a little punch and kick at King Jay.

Speculation # 1) It was all about the babies. Givenchy designer Riccardo Tisci had a couple too many and had a little case of word vomit. During a convo between Bey, Solange and Tisci, he accidentally said that baby Blue Ivy was cuter than Solange’s toddler Daniel. Solange clearly didn’t take the opinion well and took out the anger on Jay instead of Riccardo, because she wanted to snag a free nightingale bag of course.

Speculation # 2) Jay surprised Beyoncé with the presidential suite at the Standard –- he wanted to set the ambience in hopes of creating Blue Ivy Volume 2. Solange got wind of this news and threw a damn fit because she didn’t want to head back to Brooklyn alone.

Speculation # 3) Solange been drinkin’… Solange been drinkin’. The Boom Boom Room atop le Standard is a place filled with booze, they wont even let you in if you’re wearing sneakers, even Lanvin ones (personal experience). Solange had way too many watermelon martinis and the ‘hood within her came out.

Speculation # 4) It was an inside job! Total Kardashian style. Solange teamed up with The Standard and the fight was a result of a press hungry hotel and media hungry celebrity younger sister. Hilary and Haley Duff syndrome.

Speculation # 5) This one is very logical and could possibly be the answer. Solange wanted to press the buttons on the elevator but Jay beat her to it.

I’m not exactly jealous I wasn’t invited to the Met Gala this year, more miffed about missing out on the prep time—kicking back in a salon chatting with famous people as I wait for my designer gown to arrive. Imagine, for example, what the Tracie Martyn Salon was like the morning of the mega-fete. Tracie, A-list skin wizard to the stars, was prepping supermodel Lara Stone and actors Liv Tyler and Kate Winslet for the ball.

Martyn, a British-born New Yorker, is widely sought out for her Resculpting Facial, a $600 treatment that she customizes specially for each client using only natural ingredients. Her signature Resculpting Facials and Resculpting Body Treatments improve the appearance of the skin, and focus on relaxing and centering the client. Though nothing can rival the handiwork of Martyn herself and the expertise she’s gleaned over nearly 30 years in the beauty industry, her specially-formulated products are famous among beauty editors and beauty junkies alike. She even offers what’s now known as “The Famous Purple Bag,” a tote that features her entire facial product collection, which earned it’s title after the audience went nuts for it during her Oprah appearance (oh, yeah—she knows Oprah too). You can get it for around $435, sans MET Gala invite.

If you’d like to test your luck and try for an appointment, her beautiful private salon location on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan is certainly worth the wait. She’s spared no expense on the design and aura of the space, paying close attention to detail. She’s particular about ginger tea-scented candles and floral arrangements by Antony Todd. But the effect is worth it.

● Vogue’s special events planner, Sylvana Soto-Ward, reveals what to expect at the Alexander McQueen-themed Met Costume Institute Gala, taking place this Sunday. [The Cut] ● And if you’re lucky enough to be attending the Met ball, the always-entertaining Anna Dello Russo has some important rules you should know about. For one, it’s “rigorously forbidden to take iPhone pics at VIP’S and CELEBS!” [ADR] ● Read why The Sartorialist’s Scott Schuman isn’t a fan of personal style blogs, and be sure to catch him at Fiat’s Soho pop-up gallery (18 Wooster St) from 7-9pm tonight. RSVP: TheSartorialist@framenoir.com. [Style]

● Opening Ceremony’s new commercial for their Intimates line features cute nouveau-disco sounds by Leno Lovecraft and even cuter French actress Alma Jodorowsky. [OC] ● Should you find yourself in the market for a pair of luxury handcuffs, Louis Vuitton’s got you covered. [Imagist] ● Another day, another fight over a model. DNA Models is suing Ford Models for allegedly stealing Maryna Linchuk her from their company. [Fashion Copious]